COVID-19 in Sudbury & districts: Your weekly update February 10, 2022

Reporting period: Thursday, February 3, 2022, to Wednesday, February 9, 2022.

February 10, 2022 — The following is a summary of how the status of COVID-19 has changed in Public Health Sudbury & Districts’ service area over the last seven days up to end of day February 9, 2022.  Please note that as of December 31, 2021, eligibility for publicly funded PCR testing is limited to people who are associated with highest risk settings or who are at high risk of severe disease if they become infected. Counts of new and active cases therefore underestimate the true number of people with COVID-19 in Sudbury and districts. As of December 31, 2021, positive rapid antigen tests associated with highest risk setting outbreaks are included in case counts.

In the past 7 days, 600 new cases were reported, and 539 known cases were resolved. Note that routine screening for variants of concern (VOC) was discontinued by the province on December 30, 2021.  However, it is likely that a large majority of the cases reported this week are the Omicron variant. Twenty-nine (29) COVID-19 outbreaks were active this week, including 7 in congregate living settings, 8 in long-term care homes, 13 in hospitals, and 1 in a correctional facility. There were 11 outbreaks declared over in the past week, including 7 in hospitals, 3 in congregate living settings, and 1 in a long-term care home. There were 9 COVID-19-related deaths. At end of day February 9, 2022, there were 613 known active cases in our service area and 18 active outbreaks.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a total of 10 110 known cases locally, of which 9 497 are resolved. Sadly, COVID has now caused or contributed to the deaths of 95 people in our service area.

Provincial data indicate that between December 30, 2021, and January 21, 2022, the risk of an individual who is unvaccinated, or who only has 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, being admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 was 2.0 times that of someone with 2 doses and 1.7 times that of someone with 3 doses. Further, their risk of currently being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) was 3.0 times that of someone with 2 doses, and 3.8 times that of someone with 3 doses.

Recent Trends

• On February 8, there were 49 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in local hospitals, 31 of which had been admitted due to COVID. Ten (10) of these patients were in the intensive care unit (ICU), 5 of which were on a ventilator. Seven (7) days prior, on February 1, there were 58 patients in local hospitals with confirmed COVID-19, 25 of which had been admitted due to COVID, with 11 in the ICU and 5 on a ventilator. (Note: these numbers may include residents of other geographic areas admitted to local hospitals).
• The local incidence rate of reported COVID-19 cases in the past 7 days was 302 new cases per 100 000 population, compared to 311 cases per 100 000 in the previous 7 days.
• Of the 600 cases reported this week, 87 were children and youth aged 0 to 19 years, 219 were age 20 to 39, while 168 cases were age 40 to 59.  Eighty-four (84) cases were 60 to 79 years, and 41 were 80 years of age or older.  Age was unknown for one case.
• Of the 600 cases reported this week, 482 reside in Greater Sudbury while 59 reside in Manitoulin district, 9 in Sudbury North, 26 in Sudbury West, and 16 in Sudbury East. (Note: for information on the definition of these geographic regions, please refer to the daily COVID-19 case update at phsd.ca/COVID-19/data).
• The percent positivity was 9.6% for the period of February 2 to 8, 2022, compared to 9.2% for the previous 7 days.

Vaccination Program Update

• To date, a total of 435 611 doses of COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered among residents in Sudbury and districts. Thus far, 173 780 people have received their first dose of vaccine and 164 071 people have been fully vaccinated (with two doses). A total of 96 133 people has received a third dose including 56.7% of residents aged 18 and over. A total of 1 627 people has received a fourth dose (current as of 4 p.m., February 9, 2022). Note, this includes vaccines administered by Public Health, First Nation and Indigenous communities, primary care, pharmacies, and external authorities.
• Over the last 7 days up to end of day Wednesday, February 9, 2022, a total of 3 930 vaccine doses were administered.
• Overall, 91.4% of Sudbury and districts residents aged 12 and over have received their first dose of a vaccine, compared to 92.1% for all Ontario residents aged 12 and over.
• Second doses have been received by 88.7% of those aged 12 and over in Sudbury and districts compared to 89.6% for all Ontario residents aged 12 and over.
• Overall, 88.6% of Sudbury and districts residents aged 5 and over have received their first dose, compared to 89.3% for all Ontario residents aged 5 and over.
• Second doses have been received by 83.7% of those aged 5 and over in Sudbury and districts compared to 84.6% for all Ontario residents aged 5 and over.
• Of the total population of Sudbury and districts, 84.7% have received their first dose and 79.9% have been fully immunized. This means that there are over 41 000 residents who are not currently fully immunized.
• The following is a depiction of vaccinations received by age for individuals 12 and over in Sudbury and districts.

Stay COVID-safe

• This Valentine’s Day, make the only bug you catch, the love bug! Check out these COVID-safe tips to keep your Valentine safe. Remember to continue following all public health measures and get your booster dose as soon as you are eligible. If you haven’t received your first or second dose, get vaccinated as soon as possible.
• Did you miss out on yesterday’s virtual FAMJAM TRIVIA NIGHT: Vaccines with Dr. Reich and Science North Bluecoat, Larissa? You can watch the recording to learn more about COVID-19 vaccines for children 5 to11 years of age at sciencenorth.ca/give-vaccines-shot.
• All eligible individuals can book an appointment or walk-in to one of our COVID-19 vaccine clinics for their booster dose. Get your booster 3 months (84 days) after completion of a primary series for greater protection against COVID-19 and its variants. Learn more at phsd.ca/COVID-19/vaccine-clinics.
• Let someone cut in front of you in line, leave a positive message in a library book, or leave a positive review online of a restaurant you like, these are examples of acts of kindness (Berkely Well-Being Institute). Kindness is one of the most valued character strength (The VIA Institute on Character), and it also boosts your happiness and well-being. Practise kindness toward someone you know, don’t know, or for yourself and notice any changes in your feelings or mood.

What’s new

• The Ministry of Health has updated the COVID-19 Vaccine Third Dose Recommendations (PDF, Government of Ontario).
  • Individuals 12 to 17 years of age are now eligible for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine if they have an underlying medical condition that may put them at high risk of severe illness due to COVID-19.
  • First Nations, Inuit, and Métis individuals 12 to 17 years of age are also now eligible for their booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.
  • A three-dose primary vaccine series is now recommended for immunocompromised children 5 to 11 years of age. Details about eligibility are available at phsd.ca (PDF).
  • The recommended timing for booster dose vaccination following COVID-19 infection has also been updated. Eligible individuals 12 years of age and older who were infected with COVID-19 after their primary series but before their booster dose, are now recommended to receive their booster dose 3 months after symptom onset or positive test result (if asymptomatic).
• The Letter of Instruction dated January 12, and effective January 13, 2022, was rescinded by the Medical Officer of Health on February 5, 2022.
  • The additional local provisions that were in place under the most current Letter of Instruction required proof of vaccination in four settings: personal care services, facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities, photography studios, and boat tours. Personal care services, photography studios, and boat tours now return to optional (i.e. opt-in re: proof of vaccination) at the operator’s discretion, per the current O.Reg. 364/20 under the Reopening Ontario (A Flexible Response to COVID-19) Act.
  • The rescinding of the Letter of Instruction results in no change related to proof of vaccination requirements for indoor sports and recreational facilities, as the provision that was in the Letter of Instruction is now included in provincial regulations and guidance.
  • Please refer to  Reg. 364/20 Rules for Areas at Step 3 and at the Roadmap Exit Step (Ontario Government) for the complete list of measures and conditions that apply to certain businesses, organizations, places, and individuals, including mandatory proof of vaccination requirements in certain settings in the Sudbury and Manitoulin districts.
• The Ontario government has extended the Accessible Drive to Vaccines program to March 31, 2022. The program helps people with disabilities, including seniors with mobility issues, get transportation to and from vaccination sites. Children aged 5 to 11 with disabilities or mobility issues, along with their parent or caregiver, are also eligible. Accessible Drive to Vaccines is delivered in partnership with the Ontario Community Support Association.
• The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce, together with a generous donation from Desjardins, and in partnership with Lockerby Taxi, has also relaunched Project GoVax, to provide transportation to those in need to attend their COVID-19 vaccination appointments free of charge.
• On February 9, 2022, the Ontario government announced expanded access to free rapid tests for general public. To learn more about how and where to access free COVID-19 rapid tests, visit ontario.ca/rapidtest.
• Science North staff will be at several COVID-19 vaccination clinics over the next two weeks. They will join Public Health staff at the St. Charles Community Centre on February 15, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the Four Directions Complex in Aundeck Omni Kaning First Nation on February 17, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m., and at the Alban Community Centre on February 22, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Activities will be available for children and families receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.

Message from Dr. Penny Sutcliffe, Medical Officer of Health

There has been a lot of talk about booster doses lately and some people may be wondering why, or if, they should receive one. Earlier this week, the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table has again highlighted the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination, including booster doses, in reducing the risk of hospital admissions and severe illness. Omicron is straining hospital capacity and increasing hospitalizations and ICU admissions, outbreaks in high-risk settings, and, sadly, deaths. While the COVID-19 vaccines—like all vaccines—are not 100% effective, they do prevent severe health outcomes. Although there is evidence of a gradual decrease in vaccine protection over time following the second dose, a booster dose “boosts” your body’s immune response, giving you much stronger and longer lasting protection. Over 50 000 people in Sudbury and districts are currently eligible to get their booster doses but have yet to take that step. Now is the time to act. This additional dose will provide you, your loved ones, and your community with a vital layer of protection. Thank you for booking an appointment or dropping by one of the many clinic opportunities throughout our service area.

Regular updates

Visit phsd.ca/COVID-19/data for regular updates about COVID-19 testing, confirmed cases, as well as outbreaks and potential exposures in Greater Sudbury, the Sudbury District, and the Manitoulin District.  A detailed epidemiology summary is posted on Tuesday that includes information about cases over time, case characteristics, probable exposures, case outcomes, testing, and outbreaks in facilities. In addition, a detailed vaccination report is produced on Tuesdays that includes information about vaccine administration over time, by regions, by brand, by dose, and by age groups. The report also provides additional context by comparing our data to Ontario.

For more information or if you have questions, please visit phsd.ca/COVID-19 or call Public Health Sudbury & Districts at 705.522.9200 (toll-free 1.866.522.9200).